I recently hooked up with someone to be an accountability partner and have been very pleased with the results. Doug Petch (www.dougpetch.com) and I met through the World Champion Speakers Edge program and found we had similar goals. Doug is an expert on leadership and provides a very cool service with his 60-Second Seminars. He lives in Lexington, KY and I'm out here in the Pacific Northwest. We talk each week just to make sure we are doing what we say we want to do.
In fact, this week Doug asked if I had completed a task that I said I would. Ugh! I didn't quite get it done so now I really have impetus to complete it this week.
That's the great thing about having another person keep you accountable for your goals. With technology, it even opens it up more to build relationships with people all over the world.
Find a kindred spirit in your type of business and see if you can develop an accountability partnership. If you're like me, you will find a great benefit from it.
Dan
P.S. My first Panic to Power Boot Camp was a great success. I have another one scheduled for march 18 in Seattle. I should have it ready for registration on my web site next week. If you just can't wait, contact me now and I will sign you up. I have a very special extra early bird special going. Call me and find out!
Friday, November 9, 2007
Monday, November 5, 2007
Finding Balance on Gilligan’s Island
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you felt totally unable to function? Last night, I was staring at my computer monitor trying to get a little work done after a busy weekend. My oldest daughter Mindy had been home from college for several days and my wife Barb was taking her to the airport. I was at home because our old dog Blondie is starting a steep decline and we didn’t want to leave her alone. Lack of sleep, a helter skelter few days, and a debilitating overtime loss by the Seahawks had me completely distracted. You probably know that weird feeling of just staring blankly at e-mails!
That’s about the time I realized that balance was needed right then and there for my life. I subscribe to Alan Weiss’ newsletter, The Balancing Act (which I highly recommend – www.summitconsulting.com). Alan is constantly talking about life balance. In my case, sometimes you just have to take a break.
My method for taking a break was to turn off the computer (so as to not be tempted to come back), pour a smooth glass of wine, and watch my Gilligan’s Island DVD. Now you may be thinking “Gilligan’s Island! Is this guy a kook?” Maybe so. But, at that point and time, I needed a good dose of slapstick humor and relaxation to re-charge my batteries. After a relaxing evening and a good night’s sleep…I was able to tackle the next day with more vigor and focus. If I had continued on my path of work the night before, I’m certain I wouldn’t have had the same focus.
What about you? Are there times that you need to reward your mind and body with a much needed break to find balance? Now, you may not find Gilligan’s Island to be the right remedy for you. But a nice walk, a game of chess, or a quiet dinner with your spouse or significant other may be just what the doctor ordered.
Workaholics abound in our society. The desire to get ahead at all costs often lead to high blood pressure, stress disorders, and failed relationships. One thing I have learned in my life, and continue to be reminded of, is that balance is good for the mind, heart, and soul. Remember that next time you are staring blankly at your computer monitor.
Dan
That’s about the time I realized that balance was needed right then and there for my life. I subscribe to Alan Weiss’ newsletter, The Balancing Act (which I highly recommend – www.summitconsulting.com). Alan is constantly talking about life balance. In my case, sometimes you just have to take a break.
My method for taking a break was to turn off the computer (so as to not be tempted to come back), pour a smooth glass of wine, and watch my Gilligan’s Island DVD. Now you may be thinking “Gilligan’s Island! Is this guy a kook?” Maybe so. But, at that point and time, I needed a good dose of slapstick humor and relaxation to re-charge my batteries. After a relaxing evening and a good night’s sleep…I was able to tackle the next day with more vigor and focus. If I had continued on my path of work the night before, I’m certain I wouldn’t have had the same focus.
What about you? Are there times that you need to reward your mind and body with a much needed break to find balance? Now, you may not find Gilligan’s Island to be the right remedy for you. But a nice walk, a game of chess, or a quiet dinner with your spouse or significant other may be just what the doctor ordered.
Workaholics abound in our society. The desire to get ahead at all costs often lead to high blood pressure, stress disorders, and failed relationships. One thing I have learned in my life, and continue to be reminded of, is that balance is good for the mind, heart, and soul. Remember that next time you are staring blankly at your computer monitor.
Dan
Friday, November 2, 2007
Family Time
My daughter Mindy is home for a few days as her college is taking a four-day weekend. She goes to school 2500 miles away so we decided to bring her home for her birthday. She's been away for nine weeks and will be back again in six more, so the timing is perfect.
I don't remember being as excited to pick someone up at an airport as I was on Wednesday night. My wife, Barb and I were literally giddy. If you've never experienced having your children go away to college, it's hard to explain. For as many challenges that the teenage years bring to parents, you never grow tired of spending time with your kids, especially when they've been gone for awhile. We've had a great couple days and I'm already dreading taking her back tomorrow.
This is a great lesson for me, and maybe for you, too. Time as a family can have many challengers. Boyfriends (and girlfriends for those of you with sons), school, and friends can sneak in and rob some of that precious time. As your kids grow older and move away, take time to relax and really enjoy the moment. I realize that pretty soon, Barb and I will be official "empty nesters". In my early 40's that seems strange.
One last note for you young adults without kids. Remember to call every once in awhile. Cell phones have made that much easier than when I was younger. We are fortunate that Mindy calls us a lot just to talk and give us updates. I can't imagine if she didn't. Always keep those lines of communication flowing...you never know how much time you actually get. Relax and have fun with your family. It's the only one you have!
Dan
I don't remember being as excited to pick someone up at an airport as I was on Wednesday night. My wife, Barb and I were literally giddy. If you've never experienced having your children go away to college, it's hard to explain. For as many challenges that the teenage years bring to parents, you never grow tired of spending time with your kids, especially when they've been gone for awhile. We've had a great couple days and I'm already dreading taking her back tomorrow.
This is a great lesson for me, and maybe for you, too. Time as a family can have many challengers. Boyfriends (and girlfriends for those of you with sons), school, and friends can sneak in and rob some of that precious time. As your kids grow older and move away, take time to relax and really enjoy the moment. I realize that pretty soon, Barb and I will be official "empty nesters". In my early 40's that seems strange.
One last note for you young adults without kids. Remember to call every once in awhile. Cell phones have made that much easier than when I was younger. We are fortunate that Mindy calls us a lot just to talk and give us updates. I can't imagine if she didn't. Always keep those lines of communication flowing...you never know how much time you actually get. Relax and have fun with your family. It's the only one you have!
Dan
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
